Binder.



PATENTED JUNE 9 I H. c. BLACKMER.

8 SHEETS-SHEET 1.

N0 MODEL.

No. 730,225 PATENTBD JUNE 9, 190a.

- 'H, c. BLAOKMER.

BINDER.

APPLICATION FILED AUG. 25, 1902.

N0 MODEL. 8 sums-sum 2.

III/II THE Noam FEYERS co, vnoTo'umoq WASHINGTON, n c.

PATENTBD JUNE 9 H. or BLAGKMER.

I BINDER. APPLICATION FILED A UG. 25, 1902.

a SHEETS-SHEET a.

N0 MODEL.

\A/ITEIEEIE E 5;

. UNIT STATES,

Patented June 9, 1963.

HERBERT C. BLACKMER, OF MELROSE, MASSACHUSETTS.

BINDER.

' BPEQIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 730,225, dated June 9, 1903.

' Application as An lia 25, 1-902. .Seiialllo. 120,893. (No model.)

To all whom, it l)'b(Y,] concert/ 1' Be it known that I, HERBERT C. BLACKMER,

a citizen of the United States, and a resident of Melrose, in the county of Middlesex and State of Massachusetts, have invented a new and useful Improvement in Binders, of which the following is a full, clear, and exact description, reference being had to the accompanying loose-leaf binders ofthat class comprising, two back-binding sections or parts held separated, but adjustably opposed to one another by interposed pillars or posts upon which the loose sheets of :paper are. adaptedto be 'im-:

paled, the posts by reason of a sliding adjustability furnishing such retention and holding the binding parts separated to an exj tent commensurate with the bound thickness of the sheets, which may vary in number as some are taken out or others put in, while a locking device of commensurate ad j ustability maintains the binding parts with permanent bearing.

My invention consists more especially in an improved means for obtaining the adjustable retention of the binding parts, having the ad vantage of facilitating" the taking out or insertion of the loose sheets and better holding them in place preparatory to being bound, also in an improved locki'ngdevice by which the bearing of the binding parts is more easily obtained and maintained and which by reason of itsjsupplementary characterpossesses other advantages. 1

My invention relates to further improvements in the combination andorganization of parts, particularly with reference to the means for the retention of the stiff covers which usually accompany the flexible parts, but which, as with the improvements before made mention of, can best be seen and understood by referenceto the drawings, wherein Figure 1 is a viewin perspective 'ofa temporary binder embodying my invention. Fig. 2 is an inside View of the same with the covers in an open position and with the leaves removed. Fig. 3 is an enlarged view of the post structure retaining the binding-plates,

of which mention will hereinafter be made. Fig. 4 is a horizontal cross-section through the binder. Fig. 5 is a section on the line 5 5 of Fig. 4. Fig. 6 is a vertical section on the line 6 6 of Fig. l. Fig. 7 shows the improved construction of the post members in detail. Figs. 8 and 9 are cross-sections of the same in combination. Fig. 10 is a cross ve tical section through the lock, showing especially its interior locking mechanism. Fi ll shows a single section of the lock along its interior sliding edge. Figs. 12 and 13 are views of the key for releasing the lock. Fig. 14 shows a horizontal cross-section of the binder with modified means for retaining the sheets with side apertures. Fig. 15 shows a horizontal cross-section with my improved post construction retainingthe sheets by an aperture out along the back edges thereof. Figs. 16 and 17 show a modified post construction. Fig. 18 shows a cross-section on the line 18 18 of Fig. 16. Figs. 19 and'20 show slight modifications of the post construction shown in cross-section and of which mention will hereinafter be made.

A A represent two parallel plates slightly longer than the bound'port-ion A of the book along the-back edges of which'the plates extend. The plates'essent ially constitute the binding parts. They have extending from them perpendicularly and binding around the back of the book the telescopic plates or walls aand'a, each of which in width is about the same as that ofthe normally bound portions of the book, but which are adapted to be drawn out, depending as the bindingplates are wider separated to accommodate a varying plurality of loose sheets. The telescopic walls close around the back of the book, and' the wall a is preferably telescopically retained within the wall a, which relation of parts is made more secure by the flanged edgesa of the wall a turning in and around the edges of the wall parta. {These telescoping walls maybe's'echredto the binding-plates by direct attachment 3 butla better construction is to interpose .between them and the binding-plates thestiffcovers-A A which generally accompany the flexible bound part. The covers are secured to the plates contiguous to them and the telescoping walls then secured to the covers by the and make connection with the flanges a, which extend laterally from the outer edges of the telescoping walls a a along their respective sides, the end of the screw generally passing through the flanges and having a clamping-nut connection a. This is a very simple means for holding the covers in place and one which admits of an easy binding of the covers or their release, as occasion may require. It is also a very practical way for securing together the binding-plates and their telescoping walls, even if the covers are not used.

Thus far I have described by reference to the binding-plates and their telescoping walls what constitutes in general terms a rectangular casing which is adapted to secure the stilt covers and receive and bind the back edges of the loose-leaved portion of the book and which is made separable with atelescopic adjustment, not only that it may accommodate and bind a varying plurality of loose sheets, but may also protect their bound edges all around. The binding-plates are held separated in place adjustably opposed to one another by means of the interposed adjustable pillars or posts 13, which are secured between the binding-plates and help retain the loose sheets in place by passing through apertures A, previously out along the side edges of the sheets to receive them. The adjustability of the posts is obtained by making them in two sections, combined to have a sliding relation to one another. Their construction is best seen by reference to Figs. 6, 7, 8, and 9. It comprises the two members I) and I), dovetailed or otherwise joined to each other by the tongue I) of the part I) being contained within the groove or mortise 11 along the part I). The joint is such that the two members have a sliding relation one to the other which is maintained and a permanent sliding engagement between the parts obtained by means of the pin or screw member 11, extending through the shell of the mortised member and projecting to run along a groove If, formed along the side of the tongue W. The pin by thus extending into the groove not only serves to lock the two parts together in a manner permittingof their sliding engagement, but it also prevents their sliding disengagement-that is, by contacting when the parts are fully drawn out with the edge I), which marks the end of the groove-and so is commensurate with the limit to which the posts, and so the binding-plates, can be extended. In Figs. 16, 17 and IS I have shown a slight modification of this construction in the fact that the parts are held together by a wire I), half of which is inserted along the side of the tongue 11*, while the other half is adapted to lie within and slide along the groove b', formed in the side of the mortise I) as the parts are drawn out. Vith this modified construction the length of the post or the amount of extension of its members when drawn out is determined by the screw or pin b carried by the member Z1, which is extended suficiently to run along the mortised edge I), out along the sliding edge of the member I) and which as the parts are drawn out contacts with the edge I), making the end of the mortised part. 111 Fig. 19 I have shownin cross-section this construction, slightly changed by eliminating the pin 11 working along the edge Z) for determining the drawn-out extension of the post, and employing insteadthe pin-andgroovcd construction b I). (Shown in Fig. 8.) This is a desirable mode of construction in that the tongue b is held in place from opposite sides, insuring a more even sliding movement of the parts. In Fig. 20 a still further modification is shown in that the wire I)" has a turned end I), which runs along the groove U out along the inner side of the mortised member. The length of this groove would limit the extent to which the members could be drawn out by preventing further passage of the turned end I)" of the wire. These modifications merely show a possible variation in the mode for retaining the sliding parts in place and for limiting their sliding extension. A variety of means may be employed for doing this, the essence of this part of the invention referring more especially to a sliding-post formation having the tongued and mortised method of jointure. The combined parts 11 and I) make, preferably, a circular post, as may be seen in Figs. 16 to 18, inclusive; but I sometimes make a post a cross-section of which would cut, as shown in Figs. 8 and 0, one sliding part of which has a rounding edge, the other part being cut rectangular in shape, this especially when the apertures are out along the sides of the sheets through which the posts extend and of which I shall hereinafter make mention. The posts are held in place between the binding-plates by means of the screw connections I), which extend through the said plates (the same being counterbored sui'fieientlyto receive theirheaded ends) and fasten into the ends of the respective post members 1) and b, and in this connection it is to be observed that in order to provide sufficient stock for its screw connection the mortised member 7) has aheaded end Z), which also acts as a stop or rest to the inner end of the member I) when the members are combined in their shortest extension. This method for adjustably holding the binding-plates and telescoping walls in place is Very simple and strong. The post-sections by reason of their tongued-and-mortised j ointure are very stable and possess an even sliding adjustment. In other words, the post members slide out on the same parallel lines in which they normally lie when not drawn out. This feature is an important one, not only for obtaining an even adjustment of the binding-plates and walls when widening, but also for the even retention of the bound sheets.

As was before made mention of, the posts ICC ability,

B pass through apertures formed along the side edges'of the loose-bound sheets, and so possess the additional func'ti on of aidin g in the sentiallyfor holding them in place against a lateral disarrangement. Of course it-is-nec essary for the loose sheets to lie even in the binding and their edges't'o be in alinement By reason of the fact that the binding is not permanent and as the sheets are ever varying in their number, some being taken out or others inserted, necessitating a corresponding adjustment of the binding parts, a displacement of the sheets is an easy matter unless held guided'in place, and this particu larl y with reference to the newly-added sheets after the binder has been widened to acc'om modate them or the sliding adjustment of the posts has begun-to-be obtained. "The adapttherefore, of my'improved' posts for such retention is best seen in Fig. 4, where they passing through the aperture-A out along the sides of the sheets of paper,'and in this connection I would explain that I much prefer to make the bearing-aperture at; these points as contrasting with those shown in Fig. 15 cutalong within the'back edge of for the sheets can be; much more 7 The posts are the paper, readily taken out or inserted.

shown as presenting a rounding edge to the sheets of paper obtained,'primarily, by the formation of'the post member b.- The edges of the'sh'eets formingthe wall of theaper'ture bear around and against this post member,

which holds the sheets inplace. This retenf tionis supplemented by the guiding straight edges a", ,which'are but extensions of the flanges a before mentioned, and which turn in from the wall a aroundthe edges of the telescoping member a to bear against the edges of the sheets and with an extension relatively commensurate with the bearing of the post member 1).- is adjusted out to'accommodate new sheets these sheets are sheets remaining in the binder by the same roundingedges of the post members I), which by slipping outward not only produce a widening of the binding parts, but, being adjusted out evenly, as they are, 'theyhold the newlyadded sheets-infalinement with the' sheets already in the binder, for the rounding-edges of these post members bearing in and around the wall of. the apertures at either side of the sheets are sufficient to provide such retention.

As for the sheets remaining 'in'the' binder, they would be heldin place by the post mem I her I), supplemented by the guiding straight ed esa andwhateverthe, lacement of the sheets -;1'nay be, whether newly-added sheet-s or not, (for newly-added sheets maybe inserted at any point,) yet these sheets bearingagainst'thepost members I) extendedout are are shown. holding the paper in place by Now when the binder held in alinement with the and provided held firmly inplace and-intrue alinement with "the "other sheets. The sameis true in the construction shown in Fig; 15. There the apertures A are out along with the'back edge of the sheets and withpreferably around aperture. However, the sheets of paper already in the binder may be held in place When the binder is drawn outby sliding out the post members I). (In point'of fact the post .memb'er b'would be sufficient to retain them in place by its bearin g against the outer wall of the apertures A.) The sheets bearing against the drawn-out member I) are held firmly in place by the inner wall of the aperture fitting closely about its rounding edge, as before explained, and in true 'alinement with the re} maining sheets. In this connection'I' do not desire itto be understood that the post-section I) is thesection which must be drawn out that is, relatively to the leaves already in, the binder.- In point of fact, thep artb could be the extending part, for the way in which the post-sectionsareinterposed between and fastened to the corresponding binding plates 'might well be reversed, my essential purpose with my post structure being to pro vide an evenly-sliding post structure which will offer'a suifi'cient bearing edge for the retention of the loose sheets.

' I have already referred to the advantage of having the apertures A cutifrom the edges of the sheets asmore easily permitting theirwithdrawal'from or insertion upon their retaining-post's. In Fig. 14 I have dispensed with the posts altogether and shown the sheets retained along their side apertures by a modified constructioncomprising the slidingparts a a formed,-respectively, on'the telescoping walls a a or like walls, as, before mentioned,

These sliding parts bear in and'arou'nd the apertures A holding the paper in place. This construction shows the possibilities of the means for the retention of the paper when the side apertures are used. I 1 i I With my improved ost -structure but ave posts are necessary to hold the paper firmly in place, with the resulting advantage that fewer holes need to be cut through thepaper than with most binders.

Having provided for'the support andiadjusttbility of the bincling plates, aswell as for the retention of theloosesheets, it is'the further purposejof my inventionto providea lock or locking-post for confining and retaiining the said binding-plates, in any position to which they may be adjusted and alsdbyit'si passage through the bound sheets giving them further retention. The locli is of a u ple- 'mentary character, and comprises, essentially,

a locking-post C, made adjustable-in length' with headed fend parts Wh'i'clr When'the body of the postis thrust through the binding-plates 'a'ndthrough a closed aper. tu're previously formed througlr'the' bound sheets are adapted to clamp against the binding-plates, holding them closely pressed and locked together. In order to provide for its adjustability, the locking-post is made in two sections 0 and c. These sections are practically alike in their formation, and a description of one will answer for the other. It comprises the body part 0*, a cross-section of which would cut with a semielliptical outer edge and with a hat inner edge, along which are cut grooves 0. Each section has also a headed disk-like end, which to distinguish them I designate c" c, sufficiently large that when the two sections are combined along their inside flat edges and an elliptical post is formed these disk-like ends to the separate parts will act as headed ends therefor. The elliptical post, with, its headed ends, forms the locking device which is to clamp together the two bi 11ding1)lates, and its adjustabil ity is obtained by the sliding relation which one section may have to the other along their flat inner edges. In order that the post may be inserted, an oval hole A is out through the respective bi nding-plates and in alinement with alike apertu re previously cut through the back edge of the bound sheets. Its elliptical. oval formation is such as to just receive the post when the body-sections c c are combined together, which may be done by inserting the two parts from opposite sides of the binder or one through each binding-plate. By the close fit of the wall of the aperture the two sections are maintained in close contact and parallel alinement with each other, and even when sliding such relative position is maintained. The headed ends a c of the separate parts bear against the bind ing-plates when in locked position, which also helps their retention, and in this connection it is to be observed that the binding-plates are preferably counter-bored to receive these headed ends in order that their outer surfacing may be flush with that of the plates.

Having provided for the adjustability of the locking-post, it becomes necessary that the sliding sections 0 c; by which the adjustability is secured, may become locked together at points commensurate with the relative separated position of the bindingplates or at a point commensurate with the thickness of the bound leaves, and not only this, but preferably when the bindingplates have been pressed firmly together and attended even by an expansive or outward pressure by the sheets against them. For this purpose I have concealed within the casing forming the body of the locking-post serrated or toothed members c" 0 which are held within the contiguous grooves. (1", cut along the inside edges of the separate sections. These toothed members are pivoted within the grooves at the points 0 0*, near the headed ends of each respective section and are held pressed outward by a resilient member or spring c interposed between them and the back wall of the groove. Their outward swing is limited by the stop-bars c, but not until. the teeth extend with normal hearing beyond the flat edges along which the sections combine and slide. The result is therefore attained that when the two sec tions of the lock have been inserted into the apertures cut through the binding-plates and bound sheets, as before explained, the sections being pressed closely together along their sliding edges by the wall of the aperture the toothed members will automatically in termesh with each other with one or more ratchetteeth as they may overlap, depending upon the amount of sliding insertion of the sections, which of course is determined by the degree of distance separating the bindingplates when closely pressed together against the sheets, and the binding-plates will become locked by the headed ends of the sections drawing or clamping against their surfaces around the edges of the apertures cut through them. For releasing the locking-post one or both of of its sect-ions has a slot c through its headed end in alinement with the intermeshing teeth and through which a wedge-shaped key I) may be inserted and the intermeshing members pressed back, when one of the lock members may be withdrawn by the notch of the key catching into the edge of the slot cut through its head. This locking device is very simple in construction and strong and effective in operation. By reason of its bcin g made independent of the binding parts and so that it can be entirely detached therefrom a closed hole can be made through the edge of the bound sheets, resulting in the advantage that no sheet can be withdrawn from the book when locked without leaving a stub or evidence of removal. This supplementary character of the lock is also noteworthy :in the fact that if repair be necessary the main binder may remain with the user or even in use while the lock is being repaired, the sheets being temporarily retained by the posts before mentioned. As for the special method of locking the sliding sections of the post together by the intermeshing teeth, it is especially effective when the sections are fully drawn out, but two intermeshing teeth being sullicient for security. Furthermore, the fact that the sections of the post may be permanently locked together by eliminating the slotted opening or openings through their heads for the insertion of the key is to be noted. In point of fact, a bindersuch as I have described is superior in that it can be made very light, and there are no intricate parts to break and disable the entire binder. It can be constructed at sin-all cost, as the 111echanism is very simple.

Having thus fully described my invention, I claim and desire to secure by Letters Patent of the United States-- 1. A binder having two parallel adjustable binding-plates provided with perpendicular telescoping walls, and covers secured along the inner sides of said plates between them and their telescoping walls, substantially as described.

2. A binder having two parallelv adjustable TIO binding-plates, having perpendicular telescoping walls with flanges along their outer edges, covers interposed between the inner sides of said binding-plates and the flanged an interlocking-but sliding relation one to the other, and means for so forming said post-1 sections that either will be sufticient alone, when the'post structure is drawn out, to hold the bound sheets in place, through which it extends, by bearing against the wall of the;

aperture cut in said sheets for receiving said sections.

i. In a binder the combination with a plurality of loose sheets of two parallel adj ustable binding-plates, posts interposed between'said binding-plates for securing their retention, also for holding the bound sheets in place, said posts comprising two sections out of line with one another, but so secured each to its corresponding binding-plate as to have an interlocking but sliding relation one to the other, and means for so forming said post-sections that either will be suflicient alone, when-the post structure is drawn out, to hold the bound sheets in place by contacting with the wall of the aperture cut through the said bound portions for receiving said sections andwith a continuous bearingesurface.

5. A binder having two parallel adjustable binding-plates, posts interposed between said binding-plates for securing their retention and. adjustment and also for holding the sheets in place, said posts comprising sections Z), I) secured at their ends to the respective binding-plates and having a tongueand-grooved sliding j ointure along their inner edges, and means for retaining the said sections in permanent sliding adjustment, substantially as described.

6. In a binder the combination with a plurality of loose sheets of two parallel adjustable binding-plates, posts interposed between said binding-plates for securing their retention, also for holding the paper in place, said posts comprising two sections out of line with one another, but so secured each to its corresponding binding-plate as to have a ton gueand-grooved sliding jointure, means for retaining such interlocking sliding posture of the said sections, and means for so forming said post-sections that when they are drawn out relatively toone another each will be sufficient to hold the bound sheets in place by bearing against the wall of the aperture,

through which it extends, with a rounding continuous surface, as and for the purposes set forth.

7. A binder having two parallel adjustable binding plates provided with perpendicular telescoping walls, posts interposed between said binding-plates for securing-theiradjustable retention and also for holding the sheets 'of paper in place through apertures cut in the sides thereof, and guiding straight edges secured to or extending from the said perpendicular wall portions of the binder for supplementing such retention of the sheets.

- S. 'A binder having two adjustable parallel binding plates provided with perpendicularwalls, posts interposed between said bindingplates "made adjustable by reason of being made in two sliding sections 19 and 19, secured at their ends to said binding-plates, of which section bwhen drawn out'is adapted to hold the sheets of paper in place through aper tures out along the sides thereof, and fixed guides secured to the perpendicular walls aforesaid for supplementing the sheet-retention of the section b substantially asdescribed.

9. A binder having two parallelbinding' plates, means for their adjustable retention and support, and a lock for holding the plates locked at points corresponding with the amount of their separation, or point of binding retention, said lock comprising two slid ing sections adapted to be inserted through the binding-plates and bound portion into sliding engagement with each other from alternate sides, and which are provided with headed ends, parts brought to bear flangelike against said binding-plates, and means for maintaining a locked engagementbetween the sliding parts but permitting of their sliding insertion substantially as described;

lOJA binder having two parallel bindingplates, means for their adjustable retention and support, and a lock'forholdin g the plates locked at points corresponding with the "amount of their separation, or point of binding retention, said lock comprising two sliding sections adapted to be inserted through the binding-plates and bound portion into sliding engagement with each other from alternate sides, and which are provided with headed end parts brought to bear flange-like against-said binding-plates, and means for maintaining a locked engagement between the said sliding sections corresponding with a closely-pressed clamping engagement of the headed end portions of the sections against the respective binding-plates; 11. A binding-lock comprising two sections having headed end parts which are adapted to be brought to bearfiange-li'keagainstthe bound portions, and having also sectional -members out of line with one another to pass through the bound portions from opposite sides, but so placed as to slide by one another contiguously, and a spring-pressed toothmember carried by each of said sectionsyieldi-ng to their insertion through the bound portions, but combining to prevent their withdrawal, substantially as described.

12. A binder having two parallel bindingplates, means for their adjustable retention and support, and a lock for holding the plates locked at points corresponding with the amount of their separation, or point of binding retention, said lock comprising two sliding sections adapted to be inserted through the binding-plates and bound portion into sliding engagement with each other from alternate sides, and which are provided with headed end parts brought to bear flange-like against said binding-plates, and a springpressed toothed member carried by each of said sliding sections which members maintain a constant intermeshing lockin g engagement with one another, automatically yielding to the sliding insertion of said sections but preventing their withdrawalsubstantially as described.

13. A binder having two parallel bindingplates, means for their adjustable retention and support, and a lock for holding the plates locked at points corresponding with the amount of their separation, or point of binding retention, said lock comprising two sliding sections adapted to be inserted through the binding-plates and bound portion into sliding engagement with each other from altcrnate sides, and which are provided with headed end parts brought to bear flange-like against said bindingplates, and springpressed toothed members carried by the respective sections and adapted to cooperate along their sliding edges, which members maintain a constant intermeshing locking engagement with each other yielding to the sliding insertion of the sections substantially as described.

1%. A binder having two parallel bindingplates, means for their adjustable retention and support, and a lock forholding the plates locked at points corresponding with the amount of their separation, or point of binding retention, said lock comprising two sections having rounding exterior walls and adapted to slide along their inside edges, and which are provided with headed end parts which bear against the respective bindingplates aforesaid when the said sections are inserted through the binding-plates and bound parts into sliding engagement with each other, and toothed members carried by the respective sections spring-pressed beyond the line of their sliding engagement and intermeshing to prevent the sliding withdrawal of the sections but yielding to their sliding insertion, and means whereby said springpressed members may be separated by hand to permit of the withdrawal of the sections and consequent release of the binding-plates substantially as described.

15. A binder having two parallel binding-.

plates, means for their adjustable retention and support, and a lock for holding the plates locked at points corresponding with the amount of their separation, or point of binding retention, said lock comprising two sections having rounding exterior walls and. adapted to slide along their inside edges, and which are provided with headed end parts which bear against the respective bindingplates aforesaid when the said sections are inserted through the binding-plates and bound parts into sliding engagement with each other, and toothed members 0 pivoted within the respective sections and spring-pressed with permanent bearing beyond the line of their sliding engagement, and interlocking to prevent a sliding withdrawal of the sections, but yielding to their sliding insertion, means for obtaining such perman entbearingof the members, means for limiting the same, and a slotted opening in one or both members whereby a key may be inserted and the interlocking members pressed apart substantially as described.

HERBERT C. BLACKMER. \Vitnesses:

M. D. NEWMAN, SAUL SIPPERSTEIN. 

